The Football Foundation is the UK’s largest sports’ charity, and is funded by The Football Association, the Premier League and the Government providing £40m every year to grass roots football. So far more than 19,000 teams have received new kits from the Junior Kit Scheme.
Northbank FC, an FA Charter Standard Development Club decided to apply for the grant for the U18 team who play in the Longhorn Youth Football League. With previous kits being donated by sponsors, the team can now boast a brand new Nike kit for the foreseeable future.
With sponsorship deals harder to come by due to the economic situation, John Wilson (U18 Team Manager) recommends other teams following suit “This scheme can benefit clubs and teams who sometimes struggle for sponsorship, I would recommend other clubs to apply for the scheme.”
The current Northbank U18 team have been together since U12’s, and have moved up the age groups together. John Wilson says “The lads are very proud of the new kit, and it definitely gives them an extra spring in their step.”
For more details on the FA Charter Standard Award or if you would like support in developing football in your area, please contact the Football Development Team at Cumberland FA on 01900 872310 ext 21.